By Justin Graves

Justin@athensnews-courier.com

ELKMONT – When Chad MacGehee took the helm at Elkmont last year, he challenged his seniors to step up and battle every week. The Red Devils’ seniors rose to the occasion, leading Elkmont to its first winning season since the Michael Boley era.

“Last year we had a really good group of seniors,” MacGehee said. “They gave us everything they had every time they stepped on the field.”

MacGehee made a similar challenge to his seniors this year, but this time he needs senior leadership more than ever. With Elkmont having only 12 seniors and one junior, it means the Red Devils will be starting several sophomores and freshman.

Even though he is more than confidant in the youngsters’ abilities, he’s still worried about lack of varsity experience. That’s where the seniors come in.

“We’re still looking for leaders out here,” MacGehee said. “It looks like we’re going to be starting two freshman and about six sophomores, so that means our older guys have to provide guidance.”

Even though MacGehee said he was looking for leaders among his older players, he was quick to point out there hasn’t been a lack of commitment from the young guys – with over 85 percent of freshman and sophomores participating in summer workouts.

That commitment makes senior running back Matthew “Murdock” Compton comfortable about taking the field with such a young team.

“Those guys have shown everybody they want to play,” Compton said. “That kind of work ethic shows they want to win and are willing do anything it takes. I wouldn’t want anyone else out there.”



No pain, no gain

Now that MacGehee’s weight program has been in effect for a year, he said players are starting to see rewards for their efforts.

“Everyone has bought into what we’re doing,” MacGehee said. “We’re making a lot of progress and I think our future is bright.”

Tight-end Tim Wooldrige likes the results he’s seen from Elkmont’s strength and conditioning program.

“You can tell our weight program has made a big difference this year,” Wooldrige said. “When I look in the mirror now, I’m like whoa, I’m getting a lot bigger.

“Everybody’s gotten a lot bigger and stronger, and it’s going to make us better this year.”

MacGehee stressed last year that the Red Devils had to be more physical. He expects the same type of mentality this year.

“We’re not blessed with a team full speedsters,” Compton said. “The only way we’re going to win is playing hard-nosed football. We’re a lot stronger this year and we’ve got some guys who’ll hit you.”



New faces, same philosophy

Even though Elkmont lost several key players from last year’s team, MacGehee doesn’t plan to change his coaching philosophy.

The Red Devils only return four starters on offense and three on defense.

“It’s important that we stay consistent in everything we do,” MacGehee said. “We’re going to basically do the same things on both sides of the ball, but tweak it to fit our personnel.”

MacGehee believes Elkmont will be able to move the ball this year, despite having a new quarterback – Jonathan Carter – and two new running backs – Compton and freshman Brandon Baker.

“We plan on using a lot of misdirection out of the Wing-T,” MacGehee said. “It’s our job as a coaching staff to bring everyone along.”

One weapon Elkmont can use to spread defenses is talented tight-end Wooldrige. He led Elkmont in touchdowns (8) and receptions (28) last year, and looks to be the Red Devils’ primary receiver.

“I just want to do what ever I can to help the team,” Wooldrige said. “Everybody has to step up and do their part.”



Tough road to success

Just like every other team in Class 3A Region 8, Elkmont has a long, hard road to success.

With the region being strong from top to bottom, it means there’s no room for error if the Red Devils want to earn a playoff berth.

“Playing good teams makes you better,” senior Drew Stanford said. “We proved we could compete with those teams last year and we want to build off that this year.”

The region games aren’t the only tough games on Elkmont’s schedule. The Red Devils also play three playoff caliber teams in the non-region portion – Madison Academy, Ardmore and Tanner.

“We can’t have any let downs,” Compton said. “We got a taste of what it’s like to be successful last year, and we want to continue building off that success this year.”